Multipurpose carrying system

ABSTRACT

A multipurpose carrying system, comprising a matchable shoulder strap and one or more of the following components: non shoulder-touching carrying belts or cables; related connecting and carrying connectors; a hooking and hookable handle; a wrapping belt; a strap-wrapper, a foldable and removable padded body and; and ballast container described in various embodiments. From the various combinations made possible by all or some of the above-mentioned components are obtained different embodiments of a modular shoulder carrying assembly for one or two-shoulder hands-free carrying or pulling of objects persons, animals, or apparatuses. The shoulder carrying assembly is able to change its features, as a user can detach carrying belts or cables from the matchable shoulder strap and substitute them with different belts or cables. Some of the parts can be detached from the carrying assembly and used alone for hanging, keeping in place, and/or handling of carried objects.

[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/361,854, filed Dec. 21, 1994, which was refiled Apr. 14, 1998 as a U.S. continuation patent application of continuation-in-part U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/138,009, filed Oct. 19, 1993, now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/913,426, filed Jul. 15, 1992, the entire contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to hands-free shoulder carriers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In the field of shoulder straps and body harnesses most of these devices include the same parts of inventions of the prior art (straps, shoulder pads, connectors, cross-pieces, hook and loop fasteners, and similar). However, the parts are differently mounted, to obtain a comfortable apparatus for carrying specific gear (tools, photo-gear, musical instruments and like). Therefore, for carrying specific different items a user is obliged to buy a plurality of apparatuses, as one does not find a shoulder carrier which is able to change its features to deal with different requirements.

[0004] Although this is a crowded art, even a small change can be significant. Principal changes which make the apparatuses different are substantially the features of hooks, straps, systems for length adjusting, and padding. The apparatuses can be divided in three groups: A) apparatuses which use shoulder straps having a constant width from shoulder to load, better indicated as “shoulder belts”, B) apparatuses which use shoulder straps being wider on the shoulder and narrower in correspondence to the load, and C) apparatuses which go around the neck.

[0005] The apparatus of group A) generally may be: 1) very encumbering if wide enough to avoid injury for the shoulder or 2) very injurious if so narrow so as to be light and foldable.

[0006] The apparatuses of group B) generally are very heavy and encumbering, because the major width in correspondence with a shoulder is obtained by fixed or slidable semi-rigid paddings located under a narrower shoulder strap. The apparatuses of group C) soon tire the neck, and can be used only for slight loads and for a short time.

[0007] Often an apparatus differs from others only in the “carrying means.” Generally, the carrying means are only a particular type of hook which works better with a specific gear, and this little difference is often enough to be novel. In effect, it is this important part which permits a user to carry a piece of furniture and not photo-gear. This important part also causes the differences between the straps or cables that must support them. For example, one cannot locate a hook for carrying furniture on a strap for photo gear.

[0008] Therefore, all shoulder carriers of the prior art have the limitations that 1) they are good only for the kind of objects to be carried and 2) that one cannot significantly change the type of load hook for which they have been built.

[0009] Further, shoulder carriers of the prior art are to be considered 1) part of the object to be carried or 2) a work tool.

[0010] Therefore, no attention has been given to the carrying of the carrier, 1) when it is left attached to the object to carry, or 2) when the carrier is kept with work tools. The carrier is not nice to see and has heavy encumbering hooks. Neither case provides a carrier which can be stored in a pocket-spaced little pouch, within reach at every moment, able to easily change its “carrying means,” and at the same time having very wide shoulder straps.

[0011] For this reason many persons who suddenly need to carry things are obliged to tire their hands and arms.

[0012] Further, there are some objects for which a satisfying carrier has not been found. For this reason women making purchases and food-shopping, have their hands filled with bags, sacks, boxes, such that they cannot hold their children's hand, and it is difficult to open doors or use an umbrella when raining.

[0013] Further, on a bicycle or motorcycle one often sees bags hung on handle bars, and so on. The apparatuses of the prior art do not remedy these problems, nor are they transportable in a pocket-spaced little pouch, nor are they capable of quickly changing their features, for example from shopper transportation to ski carrying or to big box transporting, or to boat-pulling. This is because the “carrying means” of the apparatuses are substantially meant to be the type having load-hooks, which can hardly be changed on an unchangeable strap.

[0014] In the prior art there also exist some body-harnesses for two-shoulder carrying, which suffer from a number of disadvantages:

[0015] a) they are very complex and expensive to manufacture and have a great number of connections;

[0016] b) each shoulder strap is composed by two elements, a shoulder belt and a semirigid pad;

[0017] c) the shoulder belts are as narrow as the carrying belts, so that semi-rigid shoulder pads are required, which prevents the harnesses from being foldable and able to stay in a little pouch;

[0018] d) where there are only rear cross-pieces, this obliges a person to use tiresome under-armpits apparatuses for harness stabilizing;

[0019] e) where there are rear and front cross-pieces, they are mounted between right and left carrying belts and not between the shoulder straps, and they are mounted lower than for connection with shoulder belts, so as:

[0020] e1) to prevent disconnection when changing the carrying belts while wearing the harness, for the shoulder belts remain disconnected and fall down from shoulder of user;

[0021] e2) to be usable specifically by male workers, as the level and type of front cross-piece would injure a women's breast, and the apparatus is heavy and unattractive;

[0022] f) there is no anti-end-dangling apparatus for the ends of belts, after length-adjusting, thus the harnesses are very rough and unattractive; and

[0023] g) no interchangeable other set of carrying belts or parts is provided.

[0024] Examples of carrying apparatuses can be found in prior art U.S. Pat. No. 1,879,480 (J. A. Pures) Sep. 27, 1932; U.S. Pat. No. 190,880 (Hodges) Jan. 4, 1923; U.S. Pat. No. 4,091,974 (McClintock) May 30, 1978; U.S. Pat. No. 2,247,867 (Baumann) Jul. 1, 1941; U.S. Pat. No. 4,378,921 (Allen et al) Apr. 5, 1983; U.S. Pat. No. 4,446,997 (Himberg) May 8, 1984; SW 391,507 (Horak) Aug. 31, 1906; U.S. Pat. No. 4,416,405 (Caillouet) Nov. 22, 1983; U.S. Pat. No. 4,440,334 (Kappel) Apr. 3, 1984; CH 667,935 (Zappatini) Nov. 15, 1988; U.S. Pat. No. 4,291,822 (Simonds) Sep. 29, 1981; U.S. Pat. No. 2,247,835 (Gassert et al) Jul. 1, 1941; DE A 3,443,828 (Roth) Nov. 30, 1984; U.S. Pat. No. 4,768,689 (Davis) Sep. 6, 1988; U.S. Pat. No. 4,033,488 (Brewer) Jul. 5, 1977; U.S. Pat. No. 4,962,873 (Schattel) Oct. 16, 1990; U.S. Pat. No. 4,785,984 (Seitz-Gangemi) Nov. 22, 1988; DE G 8909078 (Doring) Nov. 11, 1989; CA A I 17019 (M. Miller) Sep. 25, 1984; U.S. Pat. No. 5,165,584 (Meaghere et al) Nov. 24, 1992; GB A Ko4881 (L. M. Shaffner) Nov. 10, 1910; WO A 8501194 (Hammar et al) Mar. 28, 1985; U.S. Pat. No. 1,490,066 (W. J. Carr) Apr. 8, 1924; U.S. Pat. No. 4,978,044 (A. L. Silver) Dec. 18, 1990; WO A 9109551 (Camas Corp) Jul. 11, 1991; CH A 610503 (M. Gysin) Apr. 30, 1979; GB A 428409 (W. T. Henleys Telegraph Works Co., Ltd.) Jun. 6, 1936; EP A 0229699 (W. L. Heckermann) Jul. 22, 1987; WO A 84 00286 (A. Nauta), Feb. 2, 1984; DE A 34 36 920 (A. Kaup) Apr. 10, 1986; U.S. Pat. No. 4,336,899 (C. D. Price, II) Jun. 29, 1982; U.S. Pat. No. 4,804,025 (D. A. Bear) Feb. 14, 1989; U.S. Pat. No. 4,487,347 (M. S. Zegar) Dec. 11, 1984; U.S. Pat. No. 2,855,133 (H. E. Mullin) Oct. 7, 1958; U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,998 (P. S. Phillips) Oct. 29, 1991; U.S. Pat. No. 5,008,987 (T. M. Armour, II) Apr. 23, 1991.

BACKGROUND ART

[0025] To disclose some of prior art apparatuses one can consider Doring's apparatus, (DE-U-8909078) which relates to a carrying strap for suit-case transportation. The apparatus is a typical apparatus of above-cited group A), wherein the width of shoulder strap is constant from shoulder to load, and wherein the shoulder strap is sufficiently long to connect the load to be carried, this means sufficiently long to go from the load to the shoulder and again from the shoulder to the load. This includes in the same object named “shoulder strap”, two different zones: shoulder zone and load-connecting zone, which are not separated.

[0026] The consequence is that, if the strap's width is great, this should be comfortable for the shoulder of user, but the strap is large and encumbering.

[0027] Vice versa, if the strap is narrow, it should be less encumbering but far less comfortable for the shoulder. The type of strap does not permit connection to specific carrying belts, but only to the load.

[0028] Further, because the apparatus has a shoulder padding firmly fixed on the shoulder strap, it is not closely foldable in a little pocket-sized pouch. Further, the apparatus cannot change its features according to the object to be carried.

[0029] Seitz-Gangemi apparatus (U.S. Pat. No. 4,785,984) relates to a two-shoulder carrying apparatus for carrying an article such as a radio while walking. In the apparatus the only carrying means provided is a VELCRO hook and loop fastener-like pad, to be connected to a complementary-shaped VELCRO hook and loop fastener-like pad fixed on the radio's body. Therefore, no other type of object can be carried, and the device is built for carrying a very slight weight. Further, the apparatus remains identical, and cannot change its features according to the object to be carried.

[0030] Some embodiments use a shoulder strap connected to a cable having hooking means. Roth's apparatus (A-3 443 828, Germ.) is specific to furniture transportation, is not foldable in a little pouch for the type of load-hook and for the type of connection between strap and cable, and can open when folding. Roth's apparatus does not permit a connection between the load in two points, and does not provide cables with an anti-end-dangling system. In Baumann's U.S. Pat. No. 2,247,867 apparatus there is a collar strap meant to hold a saxophone in a central position, on the user's abdomen.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

[0031] Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the present invention are:

[0032] a) to provide a new carrying system for individual transportation of objects, based on the use of a shoulder carrier able to match and dispatch several parts so as to quickly change its features;

[0033] b) to provide a kit of related parts, able to form several embodiments of a carrying apparatus for free-hands individual transportation of objects;

[0034] c) some of the parts able to be detached from the carrying apparatus and used by themselves, some for hand transportation and some for wall-hanging after carrying, in connection with wall-catching additional parts;

[0035] d) to provide a wide, comfortable, foldable, matchable, no-load contacting shoulder strap having end connectors, so as to be able to realize any of several embodiments of a one-shoulder carrying apparatus when each of the connectors is matched to any of a variety of less wide non-shoulder contacting carrying belts or cables having the same type of connectors, and able to be provided with means to carry a load by hooking it or by wrapping it in a loop;

[0036] e) to provide a matchable, no-load contacting, double matchable shoulder strap which is wide, comfortable and foldable having end connectors, so as to be able to realize any of several embodiments of a two-shoulder carrying apparatus when each of the connectors is matched to any of a variety of carrying belt or cables having the same type of connectors, and able to be provided with means to carry a load by hooking it or by wrapping it in a loop;

[0037] f) to provide several kinds of no-shoulder contacting carrying belts and cables, able, when connected to the shoulder strap, to very comfortably hold special types of devices, as plastic shoppers, skis, surf tables and canoes, wind-surf gear fishing gear, bottles, suit-cases and so on;

[0038] g) to provide a one-shoulder carrying apparatus characterized in that by its use one can pull or catch objects keeping hands free and without necessity of putting them in a container, and that when not in use, can fit in a pocket in a little comfortable pouch, thanks to the fact that the only wide part is a short shoulder strap which can be interchangeably matched to several types of narrower carrying belts or cables able to be provided with means for carry a load by hooking it or by wrapping it in a loop; the one-shoulder carrying apparatus can give more unexpected advantages when used by two or more individuals, so as to permit the carrying injured persons, or the pulling of big devices, as boats or cars or furniture;

[0039] h) to provide a two-shoulder carrying apparatus for the carrying of goods on the two lateral sides of a user, which apparatus is substantially built by connecting with a front and a rear cross piece the shoulder straps of two of the one-shoulder carrying apparatuses, so as to stabilize them on both shoulders. This gives the same type of advantages described for the one-shoulder carrying apparatus, increased by the fact that the load is shared on the two shoulders, which is more comfortable and good for the spine of the user, and increased by the fact that a double transporting power is given and additional advantages are obtained by adding supplementary straps or cables, so as to be able to carry a child, a big box, a whole set of wind-surfing gear, and so on;

[0040] i) to provide a two-shoulder carrying apparatus for the carrying of goods on the back of a human, capable of catching things without use of containers, by use of the carrying belts or cables;

[0041] j) to provide a two-sides hooking element capable of being connected to carrying cables of the carrying apparatuses for avoiding load rotation when walking and, if desired, to comfortably pass from shoulder transportation to hand transportation by using it as a hooking handle;

[0042] k) to provide strap hangers to hang objects to a nail or to a bar after transportation, so as to quickly, and in an orderly manner, get rid of transported objects;

[0043] l) to provide a method for length-adjusting of cables;

[0044] m) to provide a method for strap and cable anti-end-dangling;

[0045] n) to provide new types of reduction connectors, for connection between shoulder strap and less wide carrying elements, belts or cables;

[0046] o) to provide new types of connectors, indicated as “tightening hooks,” to obtain adjustable loops for load supporting; and

[0047] p) to provide a container for loose material, for scuba purposes, capable of being connected to the carrying means of the carrying apparatuses, and rapidly emptied.

[0048] Still further, objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0049] The invention includes a carrying assembly and a kit of related parts to form the carrying assembly. The kit comprises:

[0050] a matchable shoulder strap (single or double); a foldable and removable padded body; a strap-wrapper (strap-cover); a non-shoulder-touching carrying element (belt or cable); a connecting element; a hooking and hookable handle; a wrapping belt; a load-holding hook; a ballast container; each shown in various embodiments.

[0051] In this specification, “matchable shoulder strap” shall be indicated as “shoulder strap”; and “non-shoulder-touching carrying belt or cable” shall be indicated as “carrying belt or cable.”

[0052] The related parts permit a substantially hands-free carrying system which easily converts to a system for hand carrying, load hanging or pulling. The system is substantially based on the idea that a shoulder belt can be divided into matchable parts: shoulder strap (shoulder load spreading element), carrying belt or cable (carrying element), and additional connectors (load holding element).

[0053] Thus, a matchable device is obtained which is able to change its features by providing several parts which can be matched in different ways and used in co-operation to create different embodiments of a shoulder carrier foldable to fit in a pocket-sized space, and capable of holding several objects to be carried without help of containers nor use of hands, but simply by hooking them or by wrapping them in tightening loops formed thanks to special hooking and looping systems or else by catching them with hooking handles connectable to the carrying assembly, i.e., carrier, and being part of the system. Also, the carrier can be carried hands free because the carrier is foldable into a tiny space which fits in a pocket, or in a little pouch, attachable to one's clothes. Also, after the end of carrying, storage is hands free. The carried objects can easily be hung to a nail or a bar in a wall by using the same carrying belt to which they are connected because the belt is able to be disconnected from the device and connected to other hangers left in place.

[0054] As the present Figures show, various combinations made possible by the parts result in different embodiments of a shoulder carrier. It is apparent that many other embodiments (not shown) of the connectors locatable at the end of each of the matchable shoulder straps fall within the present invention.

[0055] A matchable shoulder strap is the most important of the parts, and is described as a strap:

[0056] built of foldable and resistant material so as to stay in a pocket space or in a little pouch; and

[0057] sufficiently short to stay substantially in the shoulder zone of a user, and to be not directly connectable to a load, but connectable to carrying belts or cables which are narrower than the shoulder strap. This results in a very simple shoulder strap, which can be very wide without being encumbering (thanks to its shortness), which is free from length-adjusting means, and which does not need semi-rigid paddings for the spreading of weight on a shoulder. These features permit the matchable shoulder strap to be foldable.

[0058] The connection of the strap to the carrying belts or cables is made possible because of connectors, also indicated as connecting elements, located at each end of the shoulder strap, and because of complementary connectors located on the carrying belts or cables. The connectors can be connectors existing in commerce, and also specific connectors here described, which permit connection with narrower belts or cables, without forcing the shoulder strap into narrower connectors.

[0059] One aspect of the present invention provides a shoulder strap carrying system, comprising: at least one generally rectangular strap having only two ends and having a face for engaging with one shoulder of a user, wherein each strap end is a terminal end and the strap is uninterrupted from end to end, the strap being sufficiently short to stay within a shoulder zone of only the one shoulder of the user, the strap configured for lying freely on the one shoulder of the user and for both the strap ends to simultaneously support a same load of goods; first securing means provided respectively only at the ends of the generally rectangular strap; at least one elongated flexible connector means having a first end and a second end, the first end of the at least one connector means capable of engaging with the first securing means; the at least one connector means being narrower than the strap and comprising means for engaging with the goods to be carried, whereby the goods can be carried hanging. Embodiments of the present invention would typically be provided to the user as a kit of parts for assembly when needed for use.

[0060] A matchable shoulder strap can be connected, by a front and a rear cross-piece, to a second matchable shoulder strap to obtain a double matchable shoulder strap for two shoulder carrying. In this case the substitution of carrying belts or cables can be performed while wearing the double shoulder strap, thanks to its front and rear cross-pieces. This avoids employing troublesome under-armpits apparatus.

[0061] Connections between cross-pieces and shoulder straps can be fixed (rivets, seams and the like) or removable (hook and loop fasteners and the like).

[0062] In the present description, different reference numerals shall be used to indicate each different embodiment of a carrier obtained from the same shoulder strap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063]FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a shoulder strap of the present invention.

[0064]FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the strap of the present invention.

[0065]FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of the strap of the present invention.

[0066]FIG. 4 shows a cross section of a connector, along view 4-4 of FIG. 3, used to connect a belt and cable.

[0067]FIG. 5 shows a fourth embodiment of the strap of the present invention.

[0068]FIG. 6 shows a ring assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 5.

[0069]FIG. 7 shows a fifth embodiment of the strap of the present invention.

[0070]FIG. 7A shows a sixth embodiment of the strap of the present invention.

[0071]FIG. 7B shows a side view of an end of the strap of FIG. 7A.

[0072]FIG. 8 shows a seventh embodiment of the strap of the present invention.

[0073]FIG. 9 shows a top enlarged view of a male connector of FIG.8 and its matching female part.

[0074]FIG. 10 shows a side view of FIG. 9 plus shows a shoulder strap and a relatively narrower strap.

[0075]FIG. 11 shows a first embodiment of a strap wrapper of the present invention.

[0076]FIG. 12 shows the strap of FIG. 7 employed with the strap wrapper of FIG. 11.

[0077]FIG. 13 shows a first embodiment of a shoulder padding body.

[0078]FIG. 14 shows a first embodiment of a double matchable shoulder strap.

[0079]FIG. 15 shows a second embodiment of a double matchable shoulder strap of the present invention.

[0080]FIG. 16 shows a third embodiment of a double matchable shoulder strap of the present invention.

[0081]FIG. 17 shows a fourth embodiment of a double matchable shoulder strap of the present invention.

[0082]FIG. 18 shows a first embodiment of a carrying belt of the present invention.

[0083]FIG. 19 shows a second embodiment of a carrying belt of the present invention.

[0084]FIG. 20 shows a hook of the embodiment of FIG. 19.

[0085]FIG. 21 shows a third embodiment of a carrying belt of the present invention.

[0086]FIG. 22 shows a hook of the embodiment of FIG. 22.

[0087]FIG. 23 shows a fourth embodiment of a carrying belt of the present invention.

[0088]FIG. 24 shows a first embodiment of a bar hanging belt of the present invention.

[0089]FIG. 25 shows a second embodiment of a bar hanging belt of the present invention.

[0090]FIG. 26 shows a fifth embodiment of a carrying belt of the present invention.

[0091]FIG. 27 shows a sixth embodiment of a carrying belt of the present invention.

[0092]FIG. 28 shows as seventh embodiment of a carrying belt of the present invention.

[0093]FIG. 29 shows a first embodiment of a carrying and hanging belt of the present invention.

[0094]FIG. 30 shows a second embodiment of a carrying and hanging belt of the present invention.

[0095]FIG. 31 shows a third embodiment of a carrying and hanging belt of the present invention.

[0096]FIG. 32 shows the carrying and hanging belt of FIG. 31 used to carry a helmet.

[0097]FIG. 33 shows a fourth embodiment of a carrying and hanging belt of the present invention.

[0098]FIG. 34 shows the carrying and hanging belt of FIG. 33 used as a dog leash.

[0099]FIG. 35 shows an eighth embodiment of a carrying belt of the present invention.

[0100]FIG. 36 shows a top view of a portion of the carrying and hanging belt of FIG. 30.

[0101]FIG. 37 shows an exploded partial cross-section along view 37-37 of FIG. 30.

[0102]FIG. 38 shows a first embodiment of a non-shoulder-touching carrying cable.

[0103]FIG. 39 shows a second embodiment of a non-shoulder-touching carrying cable of the present invention.

[0104]FIG. 40 shows a stopping hook of the cable of FIG. 39.

[0105]FIG. 41 shows a first embodiment of a wrapping belt of the present invention.

[0106]FIG. 42 shows a first embodiment of a tubular hooking and hookable handle of the present invention.

[0107]FIG. 43 shows a second embodiment of a hooking and hookable handle of the present invention.

[0108]FIG. 44 shows details of the handle of FIG. 43.

[0109]FIG. 45 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a hooking and hookable handle of the present invention.

[0110]FIG. 46 shows a cross-sectional view along view 46-46 of the embodiment of FIG. 45 and its use with a hooking cable.

[0111]FIG. 47 shows a first embodiment of an assembled hands-free shoulder carrier of the present invention.

[0112]FIG. 48 shows the carrier of FIG. 47 used as a camping peg.

[0113]FIG. 49 shows the carrier of FIG. 47 used for transporting a wounded person.

[0114]FIG. 50 shows a second embodiment of a hands-free shoulder carrier of the present invention.

[0115]FIG. 51 shows a third embodiment of a hands-free shoulder carrier of the present invention.

[0116]FIG. 52 shows a fourth embodiment of a hands-free shoulder carrier of the present invention.

[0117]FIG. 53 shows employing a portion of the carrier of FIG. 52 to hang skis.

[0118]FIG. 54 shows a fourth embodiment of a hands-free shoulder carrier of the present invention.

[0119]FIG. 55 shows a fifth embodiment of a hands-free shoulder carrier of the present invention.

[0120]FIG. 56 shows a second view of the embodiment of FIG. 55.

[0121]FIG. 57 shows a sixth embodiment of a hands-free shoulder carrier of the present invention which is a two shoulder version.

[0122]FIG. 58 shows two persons using attached respective carriers of FIG. 57 to carry an inflatable boat.

[0123]FIG. 59 shows using the carrier of FIG. 57 to carry a child.

[0124]FIG. 60 shows a seventh embodiment of a hands-free shoulder carrier of the present invention which is a two shoulder version.

[0125]FIG. 61 shows an eighth embodiment of a hands-free shoulder carrier of the present invention which is a two shoulder version.

[0126]FIG. 62 shows a ninth embodiment of a hands-free shoulder carrier of the present invention which is a two shoulder version.

[0127]FIG. 63 shows a tenth embodiment of a hands-free shoulder carrier of the present invention which is a two shoulder version.

[0128]FIG. 64 shows an eleventh embodiment of a hands-free shoulder carrier of the present invention which is a two shoulder version.

[0129]FIG. 65 shows an exploded view of the carrier of FIG. 64.

[0130]FIG. 66 shows details of connecting belt ends of the carrier of FIG. 64.

[0131]FIG. 67 shows a twelfth embodiment of a hands-free carrier of the present invention.

[0132]FIG. 67A shows the embodiment of FIG. 67 employed for WALKMAN radio/tape player transportation.

[0133]FIG. 67B shows a user carrying shopping bag by means of a shoulder strap carrying system according to the invention having a transversal stabilizing belt.

[0134]FIG. 67C shows an enlarged view of the shopping bag of FIG. 67B.

[0135]FIG. 67D shows an enlarged view of an anchor-shaped double hook element to be used with the should strap of FIG. 67B.

[0136]FIG. 68 shows a thirteenth embodiment of a hands-free carrier of the present invention.

[0137]FIG. 69 shows a first embodiment of a carrying assembly employing a fourteenth embodiment of a carrier of the present invention.

[0138]FIG. 70 shows a second embodiment of a carrier assembly of the present invention employing the carrier of FIG. 67.

[0139]FIG. 71 shows use of the carrier of FIG. 67 with additional cables.

[0140]FIG. 72 shows folded, unattached elements of the carrier of FIG. 69.

[0141]FIG. 73 shows a fifteenth embodiment of a hands-free carrier of the present invention.

[0142]FIG. 74 shows a sixteenth embodiment of a hands-free carrier of the present invention.

[0143]FIG. 75 shows a seventeenth embodiment of a hands-free carrier of the present invention.

[0144]FIG. 76 shows an eighteenth embodiment of a hands-free carrier of the present invention which is a two shoulder version.

[0145]FIG. 77 shows a nineteenth embodiment of a hands-free carrier of the present invention which is a two shoulder version.

[0146]FIG. 78 shows a twentieth embodiment of a hands-free carrier of the present invention which is a two shoulder version.

[0147]FIG. 79 shows the carrier of FIG. 78 employed to carry school-bags.

[0148]FIG. 80 shows use of a portion of the carrier of FIG. 78 to hang a school-bag.

[0149]FIG. 81 shows joint use of the carrier of FIG. 78, modified to include a seating element, by two persons, respectively.

[0150]FIG. 82 shows a third embodiment of a carrying assembly of the present invention employing a modified version of the carrier of FIG. 78.

[0151]FIG. 83 shows a third embodiment of a carrying assembly of the present invention employing a modified version of a carrier of FIG. 78.

[0152]FIG. 84 shows a fourth embodiment of a carrying assembly of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0153] Embodiments of a one shoulder carrier having carrying belts are described in FIGS. 47-52, 54, 55, 68 and 77.

[0154] Embodiments of a two shoulder carrier having carrying belts are described in FIGS. 57-64 and 84.

[0155] Embodiments of a one shoulder carrier having carrying cables are described in FIGS. 67, 67A-C and 69-75.

[0156] Embodiments of a two shoulder carrier having carrying cables are described in FIGS. 76, 78, 79 and 81-83.

[0157] Embodiments of a matchable shoulder strap are described in FIGS. 1-3, 5, 7, 7A, 7B, 8 and 12.

[0158] Embodiments of a double matchable shoulder strap are described in FIGS. 14-17.

[0159] Embodiments of a “non-shoulder touching carrying belt” are described in FIGS. 18,19, 21 and 23-35.

[0160] Embodiments of a “non-shoulder touching carrying cable” are described in FIGS. 38, 39, 70 and 72.

[0161] Embodiments of a connector between a shoulder strap and a carrying belt or cable are described in FIGS. 3, 4, 6, 9 and 10.

[0162] Embodiments of a connector for the supporting of a load are described in FIGS. 20, 22, 35,36 and 40.

[0163] Embodiments of a hooking and hookable handle are described in FIGS. 42-46 and 56.

[0164] Embodiments of a wall connector for carrying belts are described in FIG. 53.

[0165] Embodiments of a ballast container are described in FIGS. 83 and 84.

[0166] Embodiments of a strap-wrapper are described in FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0167] Embodiments of a removable padded body are described in FIGS. 13 and 55.

[0168] Embodiments of a wrapping belt are described in FIGS. 41 and 56.

[0169] As the invention includes in a kit of related parts, the preferred embodiments relate to the embodiments of each part and to the embodiments of the assemblies that can be obtained by matching all or a portion of the parts. For this reason a detailed description of figures is necessary. FIGS. from 1 to 46 relate to descriptions of parts. FIGS. from 47 to 84 show some of the carriers, or carrying assemblies, that can be obtained by matching the parts. Thus, each assembly can easily be described by referring to its parts which are separately described in other figures. The operating section of each part becomes clear in the description of the assemblies in which it cooperates.

Figures Regarding to a Matchable Shoulder Strap

[0170]FIG. 1 shows, indicated as 1A, a multipurpose shoulder strap, or matchable shoulder strap, comprising a strap 82 having two ends 81, 83, and female parts 80, 84 of a two part buckle assembly, located at each of ends 81, 83 of strap 82. Strap 82 has a substantially constant width for the majority of its length, the width being more than the width of the buckle assembly, and tapering inwardly at ends 81, 83 so as to be threaded through parts 80, 84. Strap 82 is built of foldable and resistant material, such as fabric of natural or synthetic material, e.g., neoprene, plastic and the like. Buckles 80,84 are secured to strap 82 by means of seams, rivets and the like. Typical uses of this embodiment of a matchable shoulder strap, matched to other parts and in cooperation with them, are shown:

[0171] in FIG. 14, connected to another identical matchable shoulder strap by means of a front and a rear cross-piece, to obtain a double matchable shoulder strap 2A;

[0172] in FIGS. 47-49 connected to carrying belt 3A;

[0173] in FIG. 50 connected to two carrying belts 3D, 3′D;

[0174] in FIG. 51, connected to two carrying belts 3F, 3′F;

[0175] in FIG. 52, connected to two carrying belts 3H, 3′H;

[0176] in FIG. 54, connected to two carrying belts 3G, 3′G;;

[0177] in FIGS. 50, 60 connected to two cross-pieces and to carrying belt 3A;

[0178] in FIGS. 57-59, connected to two cross-pieces and to two carrying belts 3D;

[0179] in FIGS. 61-65 connected to cross-pieces and to other carrying belts or cables.

[0180] The carrying assemblies described in the figures show how a matchable shoulder strap can be used in cooperation with other parts with few changes, and for the following other embodiments of a matchable shoulder strap.

[0181]FIG. 2 shows, indicated as 1B, a matchable shoulder strap having a cross-belt 89 to be positioned on an external vertical surface of a shoulder, for avoiding slipping from the shoulder. Matchable strap 1B has a female part 85, 94 of a two part buckle assembly, located at each end 87, 93 of a wide strap 91 having a substantially constant width for the majority of its length, the width being more than the width of the buckle assembly, and tapering inwardly at ends 87, 93 to be threaded through parts 85, 94. Matchable shoulder strap 1B further comprising a cross-belt 89, shorter than strap 91, belt 89 having two ends 88, 90, each connected to one of lateral portions 86, 92 of strap 91. One use of this embodiment of a matchable shoulder strap is shown in FIG. 55, as a part of carrier C5.

[0182]FIG. 3 shows indicated as 1C, a matchable shoulder strap comprising a strap 97 having two ends 100, 101, two reduction connectors 99, 95, each located at each of ends 100,101, of strap 97, strap 97 having a constant width for all its length. This embodiment of a matchable shoulder strap may be built avoiding a construction phase, as the narrowing of ends before inserting the connector. It further is possible to have double connection at each side, of a belt and of cables, as better shown in FIG. 4. Other uses of the embodiment which are not shown in the figures are easily understandable from the uses described for other embodiments of a matchable shoulder strap in the present specification.

[0183]FIG. 4 shows the cross-section of the reduction connector 99 when connector 99 is used for connecting strap 97 with a belt 98 and a cable 43, both narrower than strap 97. Connector 99 has two lateral elements 102,42 (not shown) connected by cross-elements 103, 104, 105 and by ring shaped element 106. Element 103 is sufficiently long to permit connection with wider strap 97. Elements 104, 105 cooperate for the stopping and length-adjusting of the narrower belt (strap) 98, and element 106 permits cable connection. Thus, it is possible to realize a matchable shoulder strap able to connect both straps and cables.

[0184]FIG. 5 shows indicated as ID, a rolling matchable shoulder strap having a close-curve-shaped wide strap 114, forming a closed loop, threaded through two ring assemblies 110, 111. Each of the ring assemblies 110, 111 including one of rollers 112, 113. A use of this embodiment of a matchable shoulder strap is shown in FIG. 74, as a part of carrier C14.

[0185]FIG. 6 shows the detail of ring assembly 110, having two opposite parts ring part 115, and strap connecting part 116, which has two arms 117, 118 holding an axis 119 of a roller 120. A rectangular space 121 is left between roller 120 and face 122 of part 116, so as to permit easy sliding of strap 114 shown in FIG. 5.

[0186]FIG. 7 shows, indicated as 1E, a matchable shoulder strap having a wide strap 127 having two ends 123, 124; each of ends 123, 124 threaded through one of rings 125,126. Rings 125, 126 being narrower than strap 127. Use of this embodiment of a matchable shoulder strap, matched to other parts and in cooperation with them, is shown:

[0187] in FIG. 15, connected to another identical matchable shoulder strap by means of a front and a rear cross-piece, to obtain a double matchable shoulder strap 2E;

[0188] in FIGS. 67, 67A-C and 70, 73 and 75 connected to two carrying cables; and

[0189] in FIGS. 76, 78, 79, 81, 82 and 83 connected to two cross-pieces and to two carrying cables.

[0190]FIGS. 7A and 7B show a matchable strap 1L, similar to matchable shoulder strap 1E, but further being double faced. That is having a first smooth face and a second anti-slipping face. This can be realized by the type of fabric of strap 388, or else, as shown in the figures, by securing on a side of strap 388 an anti-slipping surface 389, substantially as thin and as wide as strap 388.

[0191] Therefore matchable strap 1L is formed by a wide strap 388 having two ends 392, 394, each of ends 394, 392 threaded through one of rings 391, 393. Rings 391, 393 being narrower than strap 388. A thin surface of foldable anti-slipping material is located, due to seam 395, on a side of strap 388. FIG. 7B shows detail of a lateral view of one of the two identical sides of shoulder strap 1L : last end 390 of the end 394 is threaded through the ring 391 folded backwards and sewn, due to seam 395, to the anti-slipping surface 389 and to the strap 388.

[0192]FIG. 8 shows, indicated as 1F, a matchable strap comprising a strap 139 having two ends 140,142, a male part 144, f a two part reduction buckle assembly, located at each of ends 140, 142 of strap 139, strap 139 having a constant width for its entire length. This embodiment of a matchable shoulder strap can be built as shown or by narrowing its ends before inserting connectors narrower than the shoulder strap. This embodiment further permits quick detaching of carrying belts or cables. Uses of the embodiment not shown in the figures, are easily understandable by the uses described by the present specification for other embodiments of a matchable shoulder strap.

[0193]FIG. 9 shows details of matched parts 143, 143′ of reduction connector parts. First part 143′ comprises an elongated element 146 having two ends 40,141, each having a male hooking element 39,145 to be inserted in tubular portions 38, 147 of second part 143 of connector 41. Between tubular parts 38,147 of second part 143 there are two cross elements 155, 156 for the stopping and length-adjusting of less wide straps.

[0194] Portion 147 has open space 148 and a protrusion 149 (for hand maneuvers and to give space to end 140 of strap 139.

[0195]FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of two part connector 41 when used for the connecting of shoulder strap 139 to narrower strap 37.

[0196]FIG. 11 shows a strap-wrapper 7A, comprising: a) a central body 36 having a first smooth surfaced side 159 and a second rough surfaced side 160 (not shown, but see FIG. 12); b) a right side 158 (in view) being loop-surfaced on both its sides; c) a left side (in view) comprising two lip-shaped straps 162, 163 which are internally hook-surfaced. Use of strap-wrapper (strap cover) 7A is shown in FIGS. 12 and 82.

[0197]FIG. 12 shows the strap-wrapper 7A connected to a matchable shoulder strap 1E. Thus, it is possible: a) to turn rough-surfaced side 160 downwards for avoiding the slipping from a shoulder; b) to turn smooth-surfaced side 159 downwards if the user has bare skin and desires no rough contact on his skin, but desires to add supplemental shoulder straps as shown in FIG. 82.

[0198]FIG. 13 shows, indicated as 7, a sliding, foldable and quick-removable shoulder padded body comprising a soft and foldable padding (not shown) covered with a covering 402 made of smooth and very closely foldable fabric. Covering 402 has two identical sides 407,408. First side 407 is provided with a couple of hook and loop elements 403, 404 able to slidably keep a matchable shoulder strap located on the padding-body. Identical second side 408 is provided with hook and loop elements 405,406. The padded body is not necessary in the great number of cases, when the user is dressed, as the matchable shoulder straps, being very short, can be very wide and spread easily the load on shoulders. However, when very heavy objects are carried and the shoulder skin is bare, a wide strap seems hard to the shoulder, and a soft body is more pleasant. Moreover, the padded body 7 is easily foldable, so as to fit in a little pouch together with the shoulder carrier. Moreover, when the user is bare shouldered, also little movements of a tense shoulder strap can inflict pain on the skin, and the hook and loop fasteners permit a very light tension upon the shoulder strap, to permit its slidable movement upon smooth fabric of the padded body so as to avoid injury and friction upon the user's skin.

[0199] Use of the padded body 7 is shown in FIG. 54, as a part of a carrier C5, wherein it is evident that the dangling of bottle 447 causes friction of the shoulder strap 1A on the body 7 but not on the skin of user 445. If the user is dressed, the body 7 can be removed without the necessity of dismantling the carrying assembly C5.

Figures Regarding Double Matchable Shoulder Straps

[0200]FIG. 14 shows, indicated as 2A, a double matchable shoulder strap comprising two identical matchable shoulder straps 1′A, 1″A, connected by two cross pieces 132, 133 extending perpendicular to straps 1′A, 1″A. The hole 134, comprised between straps 1′A, 1″A and cross-pieces 132, 133, is sufficient for the passage of the head of a user.

[0201]FIG. 15 shows, indicated as 2E, a double matchable shoulder strap comprising two single matchable shoulder straps 1′E, 1″E identical to matchable shoulder strap 1E, connected by two cross pieces 151,152 extending perpendicular to straps 1′E, 1″E. The hole 153 comprised between straps 1′E, 1″E and cross-pieces 151, 152 is sufficient for the passage of the head of a user.

[0202]FIG. 16 shows, indicated as 2C, a double multipurpose shoulder strap comprising two single multipurpose shoulder straps 1′C, 1″C, identical to single multipurpose shoulder strap 1C, connected by two cross pieces 31, 32 extending perpendicular to straps 1″C, 1′C. The hole 134 comprised between straps 1′C, 1″C and cross-pieces 32, 31 is sufficient for the passage of the head of a user.

[0203]FIG. 17 shows, indicated as 2F, a double shoulder strap in which there is a removable hook and loop connection between straps and cross-pieces. FIG. 17 shows two matchable shoulder straps 1′F, 1″F, identical to multipurpose shoulder strap 1F, connected by two cross pieces 135, 136. The cross pieces 135, 136 have ends provided with a two jaw-shaped bands 137,138, internally provided with a hook surface, for connection to both sides of loop surface 130 provided on both sides of each extremity of the straps 1′F, 1″F.

Figures Regarding Carrying Belts and Cables

[0204]FIG. 18 shows, indicated as 3A, a carrying belt comprising a belt 811 having first end 813 connected to a male part 814 of a two part buckle assembly, and having second end 808 threaded through male part 807 of a two part buckle assembly for length adjustment. The end 808 has a hook fastener 809 meant to be connected to a loop fastener 810 slidably mounted on the belt 811. An open hook 812 is slidably mounted on the belt 811

[0205]FIG. 19 shows, indicated as 3B, a carrying belt comprising a belt 820 having first end 823 connected to a male part 824 of a two part buckle assembly, and having second end 817 threaded through male part 816 of a two part buckle assembly for length adjustment. The end 817 has a hook fastener 818 for connection to a loop fastener 819 slidably mounted on the belt 820. An operable hook 821 is slidably mounted on the belt 820.

[0206]FIG. 20 shows details of a section of the hook 821, rectangular-shaped to properly form sliding loops when hooking a belt, having a cross element 826 to obtain two spaces 833, 827. Space 833 permits slidable location of a belt, and space 827 permits rapid extraction of the belt from the hook 821 when sliding cylinder 822 is pushed downwards to open space 829. Sliding cylinder 822 has two axial holes 830,834. The deeper hole 834, contains a spring 832 pushing against first extremity 806 of hook 821 and permits the sliding on hook 821. Hole 830 is as deep as necessary for the stopping on a second extremity 828 of hook 821.

[0207]FIG. 21 shows, indicated as 3F, a carrying belt comprising a belt 738 having first end 735 threaded through male part 734 of a two part buckle assembly for length adjustment, the end 735 having a hook fastener 736 for connection to a loop fastener 737 slidably mounted on the belt 738. Second end 741 of belt 738 is connected to a rectangle-shaped hooking buckle 739, having a thin opening 740 on one of its sides parallel to belt 738. By hooking and fastening the belt 738 on itself, by rectangle-shaped hooking buckle 739, a sliding loop 742 is formed, which can slide only by unfastening the rectangle-shaped buckle 739.

[0208]FIG. 22 shows details of the rectangle-shaped tightening hook 739, comprising a rectangular hook having a cross-bar 749 connecting two opposite sides 748, 754. One of the sides has a thin opening 740 on the cross-bar 749 and is wrapped a spring 750 having first end 751 fixed to side 752, and second end 747 fixed on a flat lever 744 articulated on the cross-bar 749. The flat lever 744 has a front part 745 for fastening a belt against side 746 and a rear part 753 for finger maneuvering.

[0209]FIG. 23 shows a carrying belt for matchable shoulder straps having hooks (not shown), used alone as a nail-hanging belt, indicated as 4H. Carrying belt 4H comprises comprising a belt 758 having at first end 764, a ring 757 at first end 764 for connection with a nail 756, a second end 762, a rectangular hook 759 at a second end 762, and a thin opening 763 on one of its sides parallel to belt 758. By hooking belt 758 on itself by rectangular hook 759, a sliding loop 760 is formed for holding a helmet 761.

[0210]FIG. 24 shows, indicated as 41, a bar-hanging belt comprising a belt 725 having at each end 724, 726 one of rectangular hooks 723, 727. Rectangular hooks 723, 727 are identical.

[0211]FIG. 25 shows, indicated as 4L, a bar-hanging belt comprising a belt 771 having at each end 769, 775 one of rectangular hooks 770, 773. Rectangular hooks 770, 773 are identical to rectangular hook hooks 759, 723. A sliding belt stopper 772 is located on belt 771 for preventing unfastening of loop 774 around a handle of a suit-case 776. An upper sliding loop 767 is formed around bar 768 by hooking belt 771 on itself by rectangular hook 770.

[0212]FIG. 26 shows, indicated as 3C, a non-shoulder touching carrying belt comprising a belt 189 having first end 194 connected to a male part 195 of a two part buckle assembly, and having second end 186 threaded through male part 185 of a two part buckle assembly for length adjustment. End 186 has a hook fastener 187 for connection to a loop fastener 188 slidably mounted on belt 189. A bar 191 is caught by a sliding loop formed by belt 189 and by the removable connection between a hook 193 and a sliding ring 190. Hook 193 is connected to belt 189 by a rectangular sliding ring 192.

[0213]FIG. 27 shows, indicated as 3E, a non-shoulder touching carrying belt comprising a belt 208 having first end 205 threaded through male part 204 of a two part buckle assembly for length adjustment. End 205 has a hook fastener 206 for connection to a loop fastener 207 slidably mounted on belt 208. Second end 211 of belt 208 is connected to a rectangular hook 210, having a thin opening 213 on one of its sides parallel to belt 208. By hooking belt 208 on itself by rectangular hook 210 a sliding loop 212 is formed. Loop 211 can slide only in the tightening direction because of the existence of the sliding belt stopper 209.

[0214]FIG. 28 shows, indicated as 3H, a non-shoulder touching carrying belt comprising a belt 271 having first end 268 threaded through male part 267 of a two part buckle assembly for length adjustment. End 268 has a hook fastener 269 for connection to a loop fastener 270 slidably mounted on belt 271. Second end 277 of belt 271 is connected to a rectangular ring 276 joined to a hook 275. A ring 273 is slidably mounted on belt 271 to form a loop 278 when hooked by hook 275, for holding the handle 274 of a suit-case. A belt-stopper 272 is slidably mounted on belt 271 for preventing untightening of loop 278.

[0215]FIG. 29 shows an embodiment of a carrying and hanging belt 4A comprising a belt 63 having two ends 67,68, having at each end a rectangular ring 69,70 connected to a snap-hook 71,72, having two rings 64,65 sliding on the belt 63 and a belt-stopper 66 slidably fixed on the belt 63, positioned between the rings 64,65. Thus, it is possible to wrap an upper bar 128 in a tightening loop obtained by connecting snap-hook 71 to ring 65 and to wrap a plurality of objects, as a rope 73, in a tightening loop, obtained by connecting snap-hook 72 to ring 64, and to keep the loop tightened by stopping belt-stopper 66 against ring 64. Thus, it is also possible to keep coils of rope 73 laying on a floor together in an orderly fashion.

[0216]FIG. 30 shows a hanging belt 4B identical to belt 4A but further comprising a length-adjusting apparatus 74. End 29 of strap 63 has a hook element to be connected to sliding loop-surfaced body 76 for anti-end dangling.

[0217]FIG. 31 shows a full view of carrying and hanging belt 4C identical to belt 4A shown in FIG. 29 but further comprising a third sliding ring 62. By connecting snap hook 71 to ring 65 one can obtain a tightening loop. Vice-versa, by connecting it to ring 62 one can obtain an adjustable loop, due to the fact that belt stopper 66 can be positioned to block the sliding of ring 62 in a preferred position.

[0218]FIG. 32 shows carrying and hanging belt 4C used for the hand 799 transportation of a helmet 800. Adjustable loop 801 is formed when hook 75 hooks ring 62 for hand holding, sliding loop 798 catches helmet 800.

[0219]FIG. 33 shows a view of a first use of carrying and hanging belt 4D. In a second use belt 4D can be connected to a shoulder strap of FIG. 77. Belt 4D is identical to belt 4A shown in FIG. 29 and as shown in FIG. 33 further comprises sliding belt-stopper 805. In FIG. 33 two sliding belt-stoppers 805,66 permit keeping two sliding loops 802,803 tight on bottle 804. Belt portion 63 can be held by hand or hung to a support.

[0220]FIG. 34 shows a third use of belt 4D, having positioned removable sliding belt stoppers 66,805 on the other side, respectively, of rings 62,65. Belt stoppers 66,805 in this case prevent sliding of rings 62, 65, and adjustable loops 801, 796 are formed, to obtain an adjustable leash for a dog 797.

[0221]FIG. 35 shows carrying belt 4E comprising a belt 840 having two ends 841, 842, having at each end a hook and loop fastener 843, 844 for connection, respectively, to a matchable shoulder strap (as 1H of FIG. 68) and to sliding ring 851 slidably mounted on belt 840. A removable sliding belt-stopper 850 permits the control on the loop 852 obtained by matching fastener 843 to ring 851 Fastener 843 catches ring 851 in openable loop 849, closed by engagement of surfaces 847, 848. Same effect is produced by (1).

[0222]FIGS. 36 and 37 show details of length-adjusting apparatus 74 of FIG. 30, having two lateral elements 33, 34 connected by three cross elements 77, 78, 35; element 35 connected to snap-hook 72; and elements 77, 78 cooperating for stopping and length adjusting of belt 63.

[0223]FIG. 38 shows, indicated as 3L, a non-shoulder-touching carrying cable comprising a cable 322 having first end 317 meant to be threaded through a ring 314 of a matchable shoulder strap (not shown). End 317 of cable 322 is slidably mounted by a ring 318 on cable 322 forming a loop 315. An 8-shaped length adjusting ring 316 is slidably wrapped by cable 322 in a position internal to loop 315. Second end 320 of cable 315 is connected to a hook 321. A cable stopper 319 is slidably mounted on cable 322 to prevent untightening of a loop such as loop 575 of FIG. 73. This results in a length adjusting method for cables which is better described in following FIG. 39.

[0224]FIG. 39 shows, indicated as 3I, a non-shoulder-touching carrying cable comprising a cable 298 having first end 301 connected to a ring-shaped rear part 297 of a male part 296 of a two part buckle assembly 365; end 301 of cable 298 is threaded through ring part 297 and slidably mounted by a knot 302 on cable 298 (in place of knot 302 one could use also a ring or a snap hook or similar element). An 8-shaped length adjusting ring 299 is slidably wrapped by cable 298 between connector 296 and knot 302. Second end 303 of cable 298 is connected to a stopping hook 304. When without a load pulling from the hook, cable 298 is not tense and permits sliding of 8-shaped ring 299, to permit length adjusting by moving by hand the 8-shaped ring 299 in a desired position. When a load is connected by hook 304, then cable 298 is tense and the wrapping 300 stops the 8-shaped ring 299 to stop allowing the sliding of knot 302 and to obtain a length adjustment of cable 298.

[0225]FIG. 40 shows a detail of stopping hook 304, comprising a stopping body 311 slidably mounted in a hooking body 307 and forced by a spring 308 against the loop of a hooking portion 313 to close hook space 312. A little lever 310 sliding in a slit 309 permits hand opening. A grip part 306 protruding from hooking body 307 has a hole 305 for cable connection. It so is possible to hook a cable on itself to form stopped loops. This use is shown in FIG. 61 for the carrying of a ladder 495 thanks to loops obtained by hooking carrying cables on themselves. When ladder 495 put to rest on a support, cables 31, 31′get released and stopping hooks 304,304′, prevent their detaching from cables 31,3′I, and thus the opening of the loops.

[0226]FIG. 41 shows, indicated as 5, a wrapping belt for wrapping goods and connecting them to a carrying belt or cable, as shown in FIG. 56. The wrapping belt comprises a belt 330 having two ends 331,332. First end 331 connected to a female part 335 of a two part buckle assembly. Second end 332 is threaded through male part 336 of the two part buckle assembly for length adjustment, end 332 having a hook fastener 333 meant to be connected to a loop fastener 334 slidably mounted on belt 330. Two rings 328, 329 are slidably mounted on belt 330 for connection with hooks 326, 327 located at the end 325 of a carrying belt 324.

Figures Regarding A Hooking and Hookable Handle

[0227]FIG. 42 shows, as indicated 6A, a tubular hooking and hookable handle for connection to carrying belts or cables. Handle 6A comprises a central handle 337 having at one end 285, an open hook formed by a bracket 286 having at its extremity 287 a ring-shaped element 338 perpendicular to bracket 286. Second end 284 is identically connected to bracket 350 and ring-shaped element 283.

[0228] It is possible to hook, the hand of a shopper and connect the ring-shaped elements 338, 283 to the hooks of a carrying belt of a shoulder carrier or cable (as shown in FIG. 78), and to return to hand carrying when desired. The handle is an important part of a shoulder carrier for sacks, as shown in FIG. 78, as it is essential for avoiding rotation while carrying.

[0229] Other uses of handle 6A are shown in FIGS. 63 and 69. The uses are common to each embodiment of a hooking and hookable handle.

[0230]FIG. 43 shows, indicated as 6B, a hooking and hookable handle for connection to carrying belts or cables. Hooking and hookable handle 6B comprises a central portion 214 having two identical ends; with regards to left end in view, the lower portion 289 of the end has a bracket 290 having at its extremity 291 a ring-shaped element 217 perpendicular to the bracket. At upper portion 345 of the end there is a sliding body 216, slidably mounted in the upper portion of the end. A hook-shaped body is so formed by the end, the bracket and by the ring-shaped body. The hook shape can be closed by the sliding of sliding body 216 against ring-shaped body 217, operation which can be performed by the user by pushing with a finger against protrusion 215 upwards protruding from sliding body 216. A stopper 227 is located within the left end to define an upper space 343 (see FIG. 44) for insertion of a finger, for easy extraction, and to define a lower space 339 for the passage of a cable. Second end 288 is identically connected to bracket 346 and ring-shaped element 234.

[0231] Lateral sides of handle 6B can have level surfaces, as surface 364, to obtain a low position of barycenter so that the handle cannot roll away from the user. Sliding out of stopper 227 can be avoided by friction-giving dimensions or by slight-effort blocking apparatuses (not shown). Identically, undesired sliding of sliding body 216 can be avoided by friction-giving dimensions or by slight effort blocking apparatuses (not shown).

[0232] Thus, it is possible to hook the handles of a shopping bag and connect the ring-shaped elements 217, 234 to the hooks of a carrying belt or cable of a shoulder carrier, and to return to hand carrying when desired. Superior space, 349 (see FIG. 44) can be closed by sliding of sliding body 216 for preventing the coming out of the handles even when shopper has been laying somewhere. The handle is an important part of a shoulder carrier for the carrying of long objects, as shown in FIG. 70. Handle 6B permits storing supplemental carrying cable 219 in a tiny space as shown in FIGS. 44 and 70.

[0233]FIG. 44 shows the hooking and hookable handle 6B with stopper 227 pulled out, to show the tubular shape of the handle and the detail of the stopping slit, 223 for the stopping and length adjusting of cable 219 having at each end 224, 225 a snap-hook 226, 220. Internal surface of each end of the hooking handle 6B has protrusions, such as elongated protrusion 221, for the sliding and the stopping of stopper 227. The stopper 227 has slide-guides as guide 228 for the sliding movement in cooperation with the protrusions, such as protrusion 221. Upper portion of the stopper 227 has a horizontal plan rough surface 231 for finger maneuvering and, at its end, a vertical surface 230 for preventing the coming out of cable 219 when stored within the hooking-handle 6B. Upper part 229 of the surface 230 can be shaped to permit the sliding passage of a cable.

[0234] Lower portion 232 of stopper 227 is tunnel-shaped, to permit the passage of cable 219 when positioned in stopping slit 223. The stopping slit can have the two edges 222, 362 upwardly directed and forming a V-shaped space 352 (see FIG. 43) for easy insertion of cable 219 in slit 223.

[0235]FIG. 45 shows hooking and hookable handle 6C, which is a different embodiment of the hooking and hookable handle 6B. Hooking and hookable handle 6C forms a box for containing objects such as hooking cable 245 (FIG. 46) due to the removable connection between an upper part 236 and a lower part 243. Part 236 (FIG. 46) has at each end a sliding body 280, identical to sliding body 216 (FIG. 44), and a vertical surface 237 for connection to lower surfaces 354, 240 between which is a slit 239 for the passage of a cable towards stopping slit 238. Part 243 has at each end a tightening slit, as slit 238, a ring shaped body as 281,356, a couple of vertical surfaces as 240, 354 between which is a slit, such as slit 239. Joining lateral shapes 241, 242 permits joining between part 236 and part 243.

[0236]FIG. 46 shows a cross-sectional view of hooking-handle 6C.

Figures Regarding Carrying Assemblies

[0237]FIG. 47 shows, indicated as C1, a hands-free shoulder carrier obtained by matching a matchable shoulder strap 1A (shown in detail in FIG. 1) to a carrying belt 3A (shown in detail in FIG. 18) for a hands-free carrying of a plastic shopper 410. Matchable shoulder strap 1A is located on the shoulder 409 of user 411 and is matched to carrying belt 3A. Hook 167 of carrying belt 3A hooks handles 412, 413 of a plastic shopping bag 410.

[0238]FIG. 48 shows a hands-free shoulder carrier C1 used as a camping-peg. Multipurpose shoulder strap 1A is located downwards and joined to carrying belt 3A to form a loop 415′in which a jacket 414 is held. Hook 167 of carrying belt 3A is located upwardly to hook a branch 901 of a tree 900.

[0239]FIG. 49 shows a use of the hands-free shoulder carrier C1 for transportation of a wounded person 419. Wounded person 419 lies on a net 420. Net 420 is hooked by hook 167 of hands-free shoulder carrier C1 worn by user 418 on his shoulder 421. Identically the net is hooked by users 415, 416 and 417. Little pouch 8 is shown fixed to clothes of user 418 and pouch 8′to clothes of user 415.

[0240] Thus, it is evident that great utility is provided by the hands-free shoulder carrier C1, which fits in the little pouch 8 and can always stay ready to be used and to perform several types of utilities.

[0241]FIG. 50 shows a hands-free shoulder carrier C4 obtained by matching shoulder strap 1A (shown in detail in FIG. 1) to two identical carrying belts 3′D and 3D (similar to belt 3F shown in detail in FIG. 21). Carrier C4 is worn by a user 452 for the transportation of a bicycle 456 by catching its bar 453 with loops 455, 454. Evidently, this embodiment can also catch in a loop the sides of a close curve-shaped object. Brought in its little pouch 8, shoulder carrier C2 is always ready to help a cyclist carry his bicycle over long stairs whenever it is necessary.

[0242]FIG. 51 shows, indicated as C′4, a hands-free shoulder carrier obtained by matching a matchable shoulder strap 1A to two identical carrying belts 3′F and 3F (shown in detail in FIG. 21). Carrier C′4 is worn by user 458 for the carrying of a pair of skis 459 caught by two tightening loops 742, 743, formed by carrying belts 3F and 3′F. With reference to carrying belt 3F, loop 742 is formed by hooking belt 738 on itself by tightening rectangular hook or rectangular hooking buckle 739. Identically carrying belt 3′F forms loop 743.

[0243] Thus, it is evident that the ski pair can be carried in a very comfortable way and, also if left at rest, skis shall remain tightened due to the stopping action performed on belt 738 by tightening rectangular hooking buckle 739. User 458, if desired, can rapidly switch to hand transportation by simply detaching his carrier C′4, fold it in its little pouch 8, and fix it to his clothes if not provided with pockets.

[0244]FIG. 52 shows, indicated as C2, a hands-free shoulder carrier obtained by matching a single matchable shoulder strap 1A (shown in detail in FIG. 1) to two identical carrying belts 3H and 3′H (shown in detail in FIG. 28). Shoulder carrier C2 is worn by user 422 for the carrying of a tripod 423. Tripod 423 is caught by two tightening loops 424, 425 formed by carrying belts 3H and 3′H. With references to carrying belt 3H, loop 424 is formed by hooking ring 273 with snap-hook 275. Loop 424 is kept tight by belt stopper 272. It is evident that shoulder carrier C2 is very useful for transportation of a plurality of long objects, which are kept together, such as the legs of tripod 423, by comfortably tightening loops. This prevents the user from getting tired from keeping the objects together while carrying. It is also evident that the long objects are held at two points 426, 427, which stabilizes the load and avoids its bending.

[0245]FIG. 53 shows how, after shoulder carrying, the pair of skis 432 can be suspended to a wall having a nail 434 or a bar 435. The operation is done keeping skis tightened in carrying belts 3H, 3′H. Carrying belts 3H, 3′H are disconnected from matchable shoulder strap 1A of carrier C2 of FIG. 52, and connected to wall connecting bodies 4F and 4G.

[0246] Connecting body 4F comprises a female part 439 of a two-part buckle assembly having a ring-shaped rear part 440 for connection to nail 434. Connecting body 4G comprises a belt 437 having two ends 441, 442. At end 441 is located a female part 438 of a two-part buckle assembly.

[0247] At end 442 is located a rectangular hook 436 having a thin opening 450 on one of its sides parallel to belt 437.

[0248] Thus, it is possible to catch bar 435 in loop 443 obtained by hooking belt 437 on itself by rectangular hook 436.

[0249]FIG. 54 shows, indicated as C5, a hands-free shoulder carrier obtained by matching a single matchable shoulder strap 1A (shown in detail in FIG. 1) to two identical carrying belts 3′G and 3G (similar to carrying belt 3H of FIG. 28). Foldable padding body 7 (shown in detail in FIG. 13) is removably mounted under shoulder strap 1A to give soft contact to shoulder 471 of user 445. Rear part 446 of bottle 447 is wrapped by wrapping belt 5. Ring 328 is hooked by hook 472 of carrying belt 3′G. Front part 448 of bottle 447 is caught in a sliding loop 473 formed by belt 263 in cooperation with sliding ring 262 and hook 265.

[0250] Thus, it is possible for user 445 to carry bottle 447, while being bare-shouldered, because the multipurpose shoulder strap 1A can slidably move on padded body 7 without injury to user's 445 skin. Carrier C5 fits into little pouch 8 and, thus carrier C5 is hands-free transportable.

[0251]FIGS. 55 and 56 show, indicated as C3, a hands-free shoulder carrier comprising: a) a matchable shoulder strap 1B (shown in detail in FIG. 2) matched to two identical carrying belts 3P and 3′P; b) a wrapping belt 5 to be wrapped on rear portion of a bottle 257; c) a wrapping belt 258 having a ring 180, 177 at each end to be wrapped around the neck 259 of the bottle 257; and d) a hooking belt 256 having two snap-hooks 182, 718, 176, 174 at each end and threaded through a tubular handle 6A.

[0252] To rings 183, 184 of wrapping belt 5 are connected: a) snap-hooks 254, 255 of belt 3P; b) snap-hooks 718, 182 located at the right end 181 of hooking belt 256.

[0253] To rings 177, 180 of wrapping belt 258 are connected snap-hooks 174, 176 located at end 175 of hooking belt 256, and snap-hooks 244, 261 connected to rings 179, 178 located at end 173 of carrying belt 3′P.

[0254] A shoulder covering removable padding 7B is located under shoulder strap 1B. Padding 7B has a pair of hook and loop surfaced straps 247, 248 in a front position, and identical straps (not shown) in a rear position for slidable connection with strap 1B. Carrying belt 3P comprises a belt 252 having first end 250 threaded through male part 249 of a two part buckle assembly for length adjustment. End 250 has a hook fastener (not shown) for connection to a loop fastener 251 slidably mounted on belt 252. Second end 253 of belt 252 is connected to two rectangular rings 172, 165 each joined to a hook 254, 255 for connection to rings 183, 184 of wrapping belt 5 to wrap bottle 257.

[0255] Carrying belt 3′P comprises, identically to belt 3P, a belt 260 having on one side a connector (not shown), and on another side 173 rings 178,179 connected, respectively, to snap-hooks 244, 261.

[0256] It is possible to carry dangerous and heavy objects, as bottle 257, having double safety, due to handle 6A and to the double hook connection on each wrapping belt 5, 258.

[0257]FIG. 57 shows, indicated as C6, a hands-free shoulder carrier obtained by matching a double matchable shoulder strap 2A (shown in detail in FIG. 14) to two identical carrying belts 3′A and 3A (shown in detail in FIG. 18). A plastic shopping bag 476 is hooked to hook 167 of carrying belt 3A on the right side of user 474. On the left side a pail 475 is carried by simple insertion of carrying belt 3′A in its handle 477.

[0258] Thus, it is possible to carry objects on both sides while keeping hands free. It is also possible to wear double multipurpose shoulder strap 2A while changing the type of carrying belts, even if the belts are already connected to objects to carry.

[0259]FIG. 58 shows two users 478,479 wearing two identical hands-free shoulder carriers C6, C′6, used in cooperation for the carrying of an inflatable boat 480. The inflatable boat 480 lays upon two identical cables 481, 482. With reference to cable 481, the cable 481 has two looping ends 483, 484 respectively hooked by hooks 485, 167 being at the right side of users 479, 478. Cable 482 is identically connected on the left side of users 479, 478. Users 479, 478 keep their hands free. Thus, it is possible by this method to carry objects very great and heavy by employing a sufficient number of pairs of users having C6 carriers connected by looping-ended cables passing under the objects.

[0260]FIG. 59 shows a user 486 carrying a child 487 that places his feet 488, 489 on a removable cross-belt 490 connecting downwards the two carrying belts 3A,3 ′A of a shoulder carrier C6. The child's back 491 is kept safe by a security belt 492 surrounding both, user 486 and child 487.

[0261] Thus, it is possible to keep one's carrier C6 in its little pouch and to use it if the child is tired or injured during a long walk.

[0262]FIG. 60 shows, indicated as C9, a hands-free shoulder carrier for the holding on both sides of two weights for the weight lifting of user 516. The carrier C9 is obtained by matching a double matchable shoulder strap 2A (shown in detail in FIG. 14) to four identical carrying belts, two not shown and two shown as 3′D, 3D. Weight 517 is firmly held by two loops 201, 518. Loop 518 is identically formed as loop 424, described in FIG. 50. Weight 519 on the left side of FIG. 60 is held identically as weight 517.

[0263] Thus, it is possible to use carrier C9 for practice of weight lifting for strengthening of knees.

[0264]FIG. 61 shows, indicated as C7, a hands-free shoulder carrier obtained by matching a double matchable shoulder strap 2A (shown in detail in FIG. 14) to two identical carrying belts 3G, 3′G and to two identical carrying cables 3I and 3 ′I for the carrying of a ski pair 494 and of a ladder 495. Stopping hooks 304, 304′keep loops tightened around the ladder also if the cables are loose.

[0265] Thus, it is possible for a user to buy only one double multipurpose shoulder strap 2A and different types of carrying belts or cables and to be able to realize several shoulder carriers by different matching combinations.

[0266]FIG. 62 shows, indicated as C8, a hands-free shoulder carrier obtained by matching a double matchable shoulder strap 2A (shown in detail in FIG. 14) to four identical carrying belts 3G, 3G′, 3G″, 3′G for the carrying on both sides of weapons. On the left side two rocket launchers 500, 501 are wrapped by loops 502, 503 formed by carrying belts 3G′, 3G″ in the same way described in FIG. 28. Identically, guns 504, 505 are held by carrying belts 3G, 3′G.

[0267] Thus, it is possible for a user 499 to rapidly attach and detach to both his shoulders several groups of long and even heavy and dangerous objects keeping hands free for holding or defending while transporting on even difficult ground. Little pouch 8 indicates the carrier C8 can always stay on a person, ready to be used when needed.

[0268]FIG. 63 shows a hands-free shoulder carrier C′8 used by individual 506 for the carrying of a complete wind-surf gear. In carrier C′8 carrying belts 3′G, 3″G, 3G and another rear right carrying belt (not shown) are used as hooking belts, and looping performance is performed by four identical wrapping-belts 5, 5′, 5″ and the other belt (not shown). On the right side in FIG. 63 a surfing board 507 is wrapped in wrapping belt 5″, and another belt (not shown) identical to wrapping belt 5″, respectively having ring 509 and another ring not shown. Ring 509 and the other ring (not shown) are hooked by front right carrying belt 3″G, and by another right rear carrying belt, not shown. Sail gear 508 is wrapped in wrapping belts 5 and 5′, and identically fixed on the left side in FIG. 63.

[0269] At each side of the user there is one of hooking belts 256, 511 each having a snap-hook 293, 176, 510 and another snap hook (not shown), at each end and threaded through tubular handles 6A, 6′A in space between central handle and ring-shaped bodies as shown in FIG. 63 to avoid slipping of handles on their belts.

[0270]FIG. 64 shows, indicated as C10, a hands-free shoulder carrier for the carrying of objects on the back 521 of a user 520. Carrier C10 is obtained by matching a double multipurpose shoulder strap 2A (shown in detail in FIG. 14) to a belt-harness 523. Object 522 is caught by loop 720 and by loop 721 identical to loop 720, working as described in FIG. 30.

[0271] Thus, it is possible for a user 520 to carry on his back whichever long object can be caught by looping carrying belts 4′A 4″A (see FIG. 65). Weight of object 522 forces downwards the back part of double shoulder strap 2A. Front part of double shoulder strap 2A is consequentially forced upwards, but it is firmly kept in place by lateral-belts 525, 526 due to the cross-piece 524 pressing against waist 527 of user 520.

[0272]FIG. 65 shows details of belt-harness 523 in exploded view near double multipurpose shoulder strap 2A. Belt-harness 523 comprises two looping carrying belts 4′A, 4″A, and two identical lateral-belts 525, 526 connected by cross-piece 524 in correspondence with the back position of the user's waist. With reference to lateral-belt 525, it comprises a belt 528 having two ends 529, 530 (see FIG. 46). First end 529 of belt 528 is threaded through male part 531 of a two part buckle assembly, for length adjustment. End 529 has a hook fastener 533 meant to be connected to a loop fastener 534 slidably mounted on belt 528. Second end 530 of belt 528 is connected to a male part 532 of a two part buckle assembly. Male part 532 is connected to two belts, belt 528 and looping carrying belt 4′A. A belt-stopper 535 is slidably mounted on belt 528 between connector 532 and cross-piece 524. The belt-stopper includes also belt 536 of carrying belt 4′A, to stop it against belt 528 in a desired position.

[0273] Looping carrying belt 4′A comprises a belt 536 having two ends. First end 537 is secured to male part 532. Second end 538 is threaded through a length-adjusting apparatus 10 (see FIGS. 36, 17) including snap-hook 72. Also, end 538 has a hook fastener 540 meant to be connected to a loop fastener 546 slidably mounted on belt 536.

[0274]FIG. 66 shows the method for connecting belt ends 530, 537 to one male part 532 of a two part buckle assembly. End 530 is firmly secured to an external part 542 of length adjusting apparatus of the male part 532. End 537 is firmly secured to internal part 543 of a length adjusting apparatus of the male part 532.

[0275]FIG. 67 shows, indicated as C11, a hands-free shoulder carrier obtained by connecting to single multipurpose shoulder strap 1E two identical carrying cables 3M, 3′M. Carrying cable 3M comprises a hook 547 and cable 899 having two ends 553,552. At end 553 is secured hook 547.

[0276] End 552 is secured to ring 126 of shoulder strap 1E. Identically, carrying cable 3′M is secured to ring 125 (not shown in FIG. 67, but see FIG. 7) of the shoulder strap 1E.

[0277] Thus, it is possible for user 544 to wear crosswise the carrier C11 to easily transport a plastic shopper 550 while driving motorcycle 551. Hook 547,547′ of carrying cables 3M,3′M hook handles of shopper 550.

[0278]FIG. 67A shows the carrier C11 used for WALKMAN radio/tape player transportation.

[0279] Hooks 547,547′ (not shown) are connected one to the other and the hooking means (not shown) of WALKMAN ratio/tape player 463 are hooked on cable 3M. Ear phones 461, 462 are threaded through ring 126 to support cable 466. Carrier C11 is very light and tiny, but has various functions and can be connected to several additional carrying cables, as shown in FIG. 71.

[0280] With reference to FIGS. 67B, 67C, and 67D, in a preferred embodiment of the shoulder strap carrying system according to the invention, a shoulder strap 1E has both ends 126, 126′ releasably engaging with two connector cables 3M, 3′M. Connector cables 3M, 3′M have each a first end 584,584′ and a second end 585,585′, respectively. At second end 585,585′anchor-shaped hooks 901,901′ are provided, formed by two opposite hook elements. Anchor-shaped hook 901 and anchor-shaped hook 901′ have the same structure.

[0281] One of the hooks of anchor-shaped hooks 901, 901′ is used for carrying one of the two handles of a shopping bag 550, whereas the other hook element of anchor-shaped hooks 901, 901′ is used for the connection of a transversal belt element 900. More precisely, belt element 900 has the function of stabilizing shopping bag 550 preventing shoulder strap 1E from sliding down from the shoulder of the user. In particular, the user can handle belt 900, or push it downwards, thus preventing any slipping of strap 1E from the shoulder.

[0282]FIG. 68 shows carrier C12, obtained by matching two carrying belts 4E, 4′E to a matchable shoulder strap 1H. Shoulder strap 1H has a trapezoidal ring 785, 786 at each end, connected to the strap by a bridge 783 made in a less wide strap. To trapezoidal rings can be added carrying cables in the same way described in FIG. 71.

[0283]FIG. 69 shows a carrying assembly A1 comprising: a) a matchable shoulder strap 1E; b) two carrying cables 3N, 3′N as described in FIG. 78; c) a hooking and hookable handle 6B as shown in FIG. 43; d) a bridge-strap 854, comprising a strap having a ring 855, 856 at each end for connection to hook-shaped elements 234, 217 of handle 6B. It so is possible to carry a set of bottles 858 by threading bridge-strap 854 under a supporting strap 857 which is part of the set of bottles 858. Parts a) and b) are indicated in FIG. 69 as carrier C21.

[0284]FIG. 70 shows a carrying assembly, indicated as A2, comprising a carrier C11, a hooking and hookable handle 6B for the carrying of a ski pair 568 by hooks 548, 545. The hooks 548, 545 hook handle 6B in its ring-shaped bodies, respectively, 217, 234. Ski pair is firmly held by loops 569, 570 formed by hooking on themselves, respectively, end portions 224, 225 of cable 219 by hooks respectively 226, 220. Cable 219 comes out from handle 6B where it was stored, as shown in FIG. 44.

[0285] It so is possible for user 567 to provide supplemental length for carrier C11 consisting in hooking cable 219 stored in hooking and hookable handle 6B. A further advantage is that hooking handle 6B keeps, at a comfortable distance, hooks 548,545 of carrier C11. A further advantage is that the skis are kept together. A further advantage is the possibility for user 567, if desired, to quickly change from shoulder transportation to hand transportation of his ski pair 568.

[0286]FIG. 71 shows carrier C11 having two optional additional carrying cables 3N, 3′N. Carrying cable 3N comprises a cable 555 having, two ends 556, 557 respectively secured to hooks 566, 558. Carrying cable 3′N is identical to carrying cable 3N.

[0287] Thus, it is possible for a user 554 in a first instance to carry a picture 560 by simply hooking package strings 562, 563 respectively with hooks 547, 565 of carrier C11. In a second instance to carry a cage 561, it is possible to extract from the little pouch 8 two additional carrying cables 3N, 3′N and to add them to carrier C11 by hooking hooks 566 and another hook (not shown) respectively to rings 126 and 125 (not shown). Thus, it is possible to carry cage 561 by hooking it by hooks 558, 559.

[0288]FIG. 72 shows a single shoulder carrier (identical to C21 of FIG. 69) as a pocketable set comprising a pocketable pouch 8, a hooking and hookable handle 6B, two hooking cables 3N, 3′N, and a single matchable shoulder strap 1E.

[0289] It is evident that the small space and weight of the carrier, results in many advantages and comforts.

[0290]FIG. 73 shows, indicated as C22, a hands-free shoulder carrier obtained by connecting (by hooks 715, 216) to matchable shoulder strap 1E two identical carrying cables 3′L 3L (shown in detail in FIG. 38) for carrying two ski pairs 572,573 tightened together by loops 575, 576 formed by hooking on themselves, respectively, cables 315,379 by hooks, respectively, 321, 377. Thus, it is possible for user 571 to carry a plurality of long objects which are kept tightened together by their own weight due to loops 575, 576. Before carrier C22 is relieved, user 571 can push cable stoppers 319,378 against hooks, respectively, 321,377, to avoid loop opening when carrier C22 is relieved. If the number of carried object grows, it is possible to get more cable length, due to the cable-length-adjusting system described in FIG. 38.

[0291]FIG. 74 shows, indicated as C14, a hands-free rolling shoulder carrier obtained by connecting to rings 110, 111 of matchable shoulder strap 1D (described in detail in FIG. 5) two identical carrying cables 3′M, 3M.

[0292] Thus, it is possible for user 592 to carry a gun 593 by connecting, respectively, hooks 547, 547′ of carrying cable 3M, 3′M to rings 594, 595 of gun 593. The swinging of gun 593 while carried does not injure a shoulder 596 of user 592 due to the rolling on itself of close curve-shaped strap 114, as described in FIG. 5.

[0293]FIG. 75 shows, indicated as C13, a one-shoulder pulling gear for the pulling of water-scooters and similar no-handle provided vehicles. A multipurpose shoulder strap 1E (described in detail in FIG. 7) is connected to two cables 582,583. Cable 583 has two ends 586, 587. End 586 is connected to ring 126 of shoulder strap 1E. End 587 forms a loop 588. Cable 582 has two ends 584, 585. End 584 is connected to ring 125 of shoulder strap 1E. End 585 is connected to a little ring 910 slidably mounted on cable 582 forming a loop 590 including a snap hook 589. An 8-shaped ring 591 is included in loop 590 for length adjusting according to the system described in the FIG. 39 description for carrying cable 3I.

[0294] Thus, it is possible to thread ending loop 590 of cable 582 through pulling ring 581 of water scooter 580 and to connect snap hook 589 to loop 588. A user can so use one-shoulder pulling gear C13 for the pulling of a water scooter or similar vehicle.

[0295]FIG. 76 shows, indicated as C15, a two shoulder carrier comprising a double matchable shoulder strap 2E and four carrying cables connected to its end rings 126, 126′ (and two other rings not shown). FIG. 76 shows cables 602, 603 with hooks 599, 600, hooking the handles 601, 598 of two plastic bags.

[0296] Thus, it is clear that the present invention provides great comfort to ladies by permitting them to make purchases while keeping their hands-free for holding an umbrella or the hands of children.

[0297]FIG. 77 shows a two shoulder carrier C23 comprising: a) on its right side in view a matchable shoulder strap 1H as shown in FIG. 68, connected, (by a front cross-belt 793, and, by a rear cross-belt not shown) to b) a matchable shoulder strap 1I at left side in view (identical to strap 1H except the triangular shape of its end rings), c) two identical carrying belts 4 c (as shown in FIG. 31) and another belt not shown connected to end rings of strap 1I; d) two identical thin straps 790,787, each having respectively an end connected to a ring 785,786 of strap 1H, and another end connected to a ring 791, 788 of a snap hook 792, 789. Carrying belt 4C forms a loop surrounding two axis 781, 782, as hook 72 hooks sliding ring 64. A second carrying belt (not shown), identical to 4C, is located on a rear position.

[0298]FIG. 78 shows use of carrier C16, for the hands-free transportation of a ladder 629 and of a sack-bag 625. Hooks 604, 605 of carrier C16 keep ladder 629 in a tightening loop Sack-bag end 628 is tied with a tightening cable forming two loops 626, 627. Loops 626, 627 are hooked by hooking and hookable handle 6B.

[0299] Ring-shaped bodies 217, 234 of hooking handle 6B are hooked respectively by hooks 607, 606 of carrier C16.

[0300] Thus, evident is the novelty of the present invention, as until now transportation of long objects and of sack-bags has been performed in a very fatiguing way. It is also evident that a great transportation power is contained in carrier C16, and that it can be brought in little pouch 8 (shown in above figures). Similarly hooking and hookable handle 6B is an important part of the present invention as is necessary for avoiding rotation of sack-bag 625 when user 597 moves his or her legs while walking.

[0301]FIG. 79 shows, indicated as C16, a hands-free shoulder carrier obtained by matching four carrying cables 3N′, 3N″,3″N, 3′″N, (all identical to carrying cable 3N described in FIG. 71) respectively to rings 609,608 610,611, of a double matchable shoulder strap 2E (described in FIG. 15 ). Hooks 635, 636 respectively being at upwards ends of cables 638, 637 of carrying cables 3″N, 3′″N hook respectively rings 610, 611. Hooks 613, 619 hook respectively rings 620,621 of school-bag 617. Hooks 614,615 hook respectively rings 622,623 of school-bag 616.

[0302] Thus, it is possible for a student 612 to carry her school books in a position which is certainly good for her spine, as the resultant of loads is internal to user's body and located in a central position.

[0303]FIG. 80 shows a further advantage of the C16 carrier, that is the possibility of detaching carrying cables 3″N, 3′″N from rings 610, 611 (see FIG. 73) leaving them connected to bag rings 622, 623.

[0304] Thus, it is possible to fix school-bag 616 to legs 634, 633 of school bench 632 by forming loops 639, 640. Loops 639, 640 are formed by hooking on themselves respectively cable 638, 637 by hooks 635, 636. Therefore, the school bag is placed in a comfortable position, ready to be opened when necessary, and with very small encumbrance.

[0305]FIG. 81 shows an alternative way of using carrier C16, that is as a carrier for injured persons, to be transported in a sat-down position on a seating element 2E, using double shoulder strap 2E as a chair hooked to identical shoulder straps 1E, 1E, supported by two persons 630, 295. The whole embodiment is indicated as carrier C17.

[0306]FIG. 82 shows a carrying assembly C18, comprising: a) a carrier C16 further comprising: b) a cartridge-pouch 55 mounted on front cross-piece 54 for films holding, and c) two identical strap wrappers 7A, 7′A to slidably connect to the shoulder strap the thin shoulder straps 48, 49 of two photo cameras 50,51, while carrying a camera 61 and a tripod 60, connected by carrying cables 56-59.

[0307]FIG. 83 shows, indicated as C19, a hands-free carrying assembly for scuba ballast obtained from a C16 carrier further comprising: a) a cartridge-pouch 647 and a set of rings and hooks 648 mounted on front cross-piece 674 for films and scuba gear holding, and cross piece 674 having end couples of hook internally surfaced straps 643, 644, 382, 645 for connection with loop surfaces 650, 652 on both sides of shoulder straps 1E, 1′E, to obtain double shoulder strap 2D; b) four carrying cables 3N,3 ′N, 3″N, 3′″H having hooks 654,655, 658, 659 connected to rings 653, 679, 656, 677 mounted on bodies 383, 680, 657, 676 slidably mounted on waist belt 681; and c) two ballast containers consisting in sets of upsetable pockets 667, 649 slidably connected to the waist belt 681. With reference to pocket 670 the upsetable pocket can upset due to a) the fact that it is connected downwards to flexible body 386, or b) there is a flexible layer 664 upwards connected to the flexible body 386 to cover the pocket 670. The layer 664 is provided with a loop surface 665 on its extremity, to be adjacent to the loop surface located on the pocket (not shown). A downwards hook surfaced strap 666 connects as a bridge between the loop surfaces 665 and the other surface not shown, and can be removed if desired for an emergency, by pulling handle 662 connected to ring 26 by cable 661, to provoke falling down of ballast 669, 671, 672. On the right side the strap 384 (identical to strap 666) is in place as handle 385 is in place due to a hook and loop junction.

[0308]FIG. 84 shows, indicated as C20, a different embodiment of carrier C19, comprising a waist belt 696 slidably connected to two identical straps 683,685. The two identical straps 683, 685 are connected by a rear cross-piece 684 and a front cross-piece 674. The front cross-piece 674 has a cartridge-pouch and a set of rings and hooks for films and scuba gear holding as shown in FIG. 58. With reference to the left side in view, left strap 685 has at a rear end a sliding connection 690 with waist belt 696, and has at front end a part 689 of a two part connector for connection to complementary-shaped connector 713. The connector 713 has a slidable connection 714 with the waist belt. Two ballast containers are provided and consist of sets of upsetable pockets 699, 700. Pocket 698 is downwards connected on an internal side to flexible body 697, and connected on an external side to layer 663, the layer 663 having a loop surface 660 on its external side. A layer 701 upwardly protrudes from flexible body 697 having a loop surface 691 on an external side of its edge. A connecting flexible element 710 is provided with hook surface 709 to bridge-connect adjacent loop surfaces 660, 691 located on two layers 663,701, to wrap pocket 698 and avoid upsetting. The flexible element 710 has a ring 707 on its rear portion. The ring 707 connected to a first end of a cable 706 or strap having a second cable end secured to a handle 704. Handle 704 is normally kept in place by hook and loop surfaced straps 708,709′(not shown) and it is possible to cause upsetting of the pockets by pulling the handle 704.

[0309] It is evident that the above description, for the sake of brevity, discloses only a limited number of the possible embodiments that can be obtained. The following examples make clear this matter.

[0310] Referring to FIG. 47, one can see a user 411 wearing a carrier C1 obtained by matching a matchable shoulder strap 1A to a carrying belt 3A. When the user keeps matchable shoulder strap 1A and substitutes carrying belt 3A with carrying belt 3D, carrier C4 of FIG. 50 is obtained.

[0311] When instead the user substitutes carrying belt 3A with carrying belt 3F carrier C′4 of FIG. 51 is obtained.

[0312] When matchable shoulder strap 1″A is connected, by a front cross-piece 133 and a rear cross-piece 132, to an identical matchable shoulder strap 1′A, double matchable shoulder strap 2A of FIG. 14 is obtained.

[0313] When the user connects a carrying belt 3′A and identical 3A of FIG. 18 at each end of double matchable shoulder strap 2A, carrier C6 shown in FIG. 57 is obtained.

[0314] When the user continues wearing double matchable shoulder strap 2A but substitutes carrying belt 3A, 3′A with four carrying belts 3D, 3′D and other two identical (not shown) carrier C9 shown in FIG. 60 is obtained.

[0315] Evidently, the user could leave in place carrying belt 3A and substitute the sole carrying belt 3A with two carrying belts 3D, 3′D. This embodiment is not shown because the figures of all possible combinations would be too numerous. The potentialities of the system do not permit a complete description, but all the carriers obtained from the combination of all or of some parts of the kit should be considered as included in the present specification.

[0316] A matchable shoulder strap is disclosed in various embodiments, able to be connected in various ways to carrying belts and to carrying cables. Matchable shoulder straps disclosed are: 1A of FIG. 1, 1B of FIG. 2, 1C of FIG. 3, 1D of FIG. 5, 1E of FIG. 7, 1F of FIG. 8.

[0317] Also matchable shoulder straps included in a double matchable shoulder strap are to be considered as disclosed separately, see 1H of FIG. 77, 1I of FIG. 77. Double matchable shoulder straps can be obtained by matching, by a front and a rear cross-piece, two matchable shoulder straps. The double matchable shoulder straps disclosed are obtained by matching two identical matchable shoulder straps. Double shoulder straps obtained by matching two different shoulder straps are not disclosed but are to be considered as included in the present application.

[0318] The system is based on the use of a multipurpose shoulder strap, or matchable shoulder strap,described in various embodiments (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1H, 1L), which is a wide strap so short as to stay substantially in the shoulder zone of a user and so short as to be unconnectable to a load. The matchable shoulder strap having a connector at each end to be able to be connected, at each end, at an end of a carrying belt or of a cable having complementary-shaped connectors. Thus, it is possible, according to different carrying necessities, to change the type of carrying belt or cable at each end of the matchable shoulder strap, to obtain several different embodiments of a one shoulder carrier having the same matchable shoulder strap and different carrying belts or cables (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C11, C12, C13, C14, C17, C21, C22, A1, A2). The carrying belts or cables catch the load by hooking it or by wrapping it in loops, and can be used to hang the load to a nail or bar simply by disconnecting it from the multipurpose shoulder strap and connecting it to a nail or bar connector complementary shaped left on its support.

[0319] The carrying belts or cables are shown in various embodiments (3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 3G, 3H, 3I, 3L, 3M, 3N, 3P, 3′P), and can be provided with length adjustment systems and anti-rotation parts, as hooking and hookable handles (6A, 6B, 6C), some of which permit also an easy and comfortable change from shoulder to hand transportation.

[0320] Carrying and hanging belts (4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 4G, 4H, 4I, 4L), can even perform other uses, for the hanging and the hand-carrying. By connecting two matchable shoulder straps by a front and a rear cross-piece a double matchable shoulder strap is formed, able to obtain several different embodiments of a two-shoulder carrier (C6, C′6, C7, C8, C′8, C9, C10, C15, C16, C18, C19, C20, C23).

[0321] It is evident that the above description, for the sake of brevity, discloses only a limited number of the possible embodiments that can be obtained by this system, matching the various types of multipurpose shoulder straps to the various types of carrying belts and cables. Therefore the other embodiments that can be obtained by other combinations of the matchable shoulder straps and carrying belts or cables and not particularly here disclosed, are anyway to be considered included in the present invention.

[0322] The system also provides a foldable removable padding (7), matchable to shoulder straps to protect a bare shoulder from friction when load dangling. Having described the invention and its advantages, one can see that it includes carrying apparatus, and a kit of related parts to make such carrying apparatus, and that each part can have different embodiments and be used in different ways and combinations. This gives to this carrying system a great extent of uses, of which the devices described in the figures are only some examples. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not only by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A shoulder strap carrying system, comprising: at least one generally rectangular strap having only two ends and having a face for engaging with one shoulder of a user, wherein each strap end is a terminal end and the strap is uninterrupted from end to end, said strap being sufficiently short to stay within a shoulder zone of only the one shoulder of the user, said strap configured for lying freely on the one shoulder of the user and for both said strap ends to simultaneously support same item; first securing means provided respectively only at said ends of said generally rectangular strap; at least one elongated flexible connector means having a first end and a second end, said first end of said at least one connector means capable of engaging with said first securing means; said at least one connector means being narrower than said strap and comprising means for engaging with the goods, to be carried, whereby said goods can be carried hanging.
 2. The shoulder strap carrying system according to claim 1, wherein: two of said elongated flexible connector means are provided having each a first end and a second end, said goods being carried hanging at said second ends; a transversal belt element, said second ends of said two elongated flexible connector means being connected to each other by said transversal belt element; wherein said user can push said belt element and stabilize said goods being carried hanging and preventing said generally rectangular strap from sliding down from said shoulder.
 3. The shoulder strap carrying system according to claim 2, wherein: said means for engaging with the goods to be carried comprises an anchor-shaped element having two opposite hooks; said goods being carried hanging at one of said two opposite hooks; and said transversal belt element engaging with the other of said two opposite hooks.
 4. The shoulder strap carrying system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one connector means comprises a rope.
 5. The shoulder strap carrying system according to claim 1, comprising two said strap and at least a transversal element for connecting said two straps when each of said two straps is parallel to the other said strap, whereby a double shoulder strap is formed.
 6. The shoulder strap carrying system according to claim 1, wherein said strap has a central portion of substantially constant width and has tapered ends engaging with said first releasable lock means, wherein the width of said strap is larger than the width of said connector.
 7. The shoulder strap carrying system according to claim 1, wherein said strap is formed by a continuous loop and said ends are formed by opposite bends of said loop, said first releasable lock means comprising roller means with which said loop rotatably engages at said opposite bends.
 8. The shoulder strap carrying system according to claim 1, said connector means comprise a belt extending between two of said second releasable lock means, said two second releasable lock means engaging respectively with said opposite first releasable lock means, whereby said strap and said connector means form a loop.
 9. The shoulder strap carrying system according to claim 1, wherein a hook device to carry said goods is provided for having an opening through which said connector means passes.
 10. The shoulder strap carrying system according to claim 1, wherein said releasable lock means comprise means for adjusting the length of said connector means.
 11. The shoulder strap carrying system according to claim 1, wherein said releasable lock means have means for adjusting the length of said connector means and said connector means have a free end, an end being provided for sliding on said connector means having means for stopping said free end, whereby said free end is prevented from dangling.
 12. The shoulder strap carrying system according to claim 1, wherein said second releasable lock means have a ring to which said connector means is tied at one end, hook means being provided for at the other end engaging in use with said goods.
 13. The shoulder strap carrying system according to claim 1, wherein top and bottom transverse belt means are provided to secure an individual to said strap or said connector means.
 14. The shoulder strap carrying system according to claim 1, wherein said means for engaging with said goods comprise a handle, said handle comprising a hollow body and ring portions integral to said hollow body, said connector means being, in use, hooked to said ring portions.
 15. The shoulder strap carrying system according to claim 1, wherein said first securing means comprises a ring and said means for engaging with the goods to be carried comprises a hook.
 16. A shoulder strap carrying system, comprising: a generally rectangular strap having only two ends and having a face for engaging with one shoulder of a user, wherein each strap end is a terminal end and the strap is uninterrupted from end to end, said strap being sufficiently short to stay within a shoulder zone of at most the one shoulder of the user, said strap configured for lying freely on the one shoulder of the user and for both strap ends to simultaneously support a same item; a first securing means provided respectively only at said ends of said generally rectangular strap; at least one elongated flexible connector means having a first end engaging with said first securing means; said at least one connector means being narrower than said strap and comprising means for engaging with goods to be carried.
 17. The shoulder strap carrying system according to claim 16, wherein said first securing means comprises a ring and said means for engaging with the goods to be carried comprises a hook.
 18. The shoulder strap carrying system according to claim 16, wherein: two of said elongated flexible connector means are provided having each a first end and a second end, said goods being carried hanging at said second ends; a transversal belt element, said second ends of said two elongated flexible connector means being connected to each other by said transversal belt element; wherein said user can push said belt element and stabilize said goods being carried hanging and preventing said generally rectangular strap from sliding down from said shoulder.
 19. The shoulder strap carrying system according to claim 18, wherein: said means for engaging with the goods to be carried comprises an anchor-shaped element having two opposite hooks; said goods being carried hanging at one of said two opposite hooks; and said transversal belt element engaging with the other of said two opposite hooks.
 20. The shoulder strap carrying system according to claim 16, wherein said means for engaging with said goods comprise loop means which, in use, are wound about a portion of said goods.
 21. The shoulder strap carrying system according to claim 16, wherein said means for engaging with said goods comprise loop means which, in use, are wound about a portion of said goods, said loop means comprising a buckle provided for at one end of said connector means and having at least one opening in which a portion of said connector means passes through to form said loop.
 22. The shoulder strap carrying system according to claim 16, wherein said means for engaging with said goods comprise loop means which, in use, are wound about a portion of said goods, said loop means comprising a buckle provided for at one end of said connector means and a ring in which a portion of said connector means passes through to form said loop, said ring being releasably connected to said buckle by a hook device.
 23. The shoulder strap carrying system according to claim 16, wherein said means for engaging with said goods comprise loop means which, in use, are wound about a portion of said goods, said loop means comprising a buckle and a ring provided for at an intermediate portion of said connector means, a hook means being provided for wherein in use said goods are held between said connector means and said hook means. 